Ground Robotics

Abstract

This Program Element supports modernization of the current Ground Robotic fleets by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to: condition based maintenance, vetronics, Robotic Architecture, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies. Funding also supports developing initial prototypes to enable refinement of Operational Requirements and early user feedback to support future sustainment and operational movement operating concepts. FB2: The Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) Inc. II is the Army's Soldier transportable, remotely operated, medium size (<= 164 lbs.) common robotic system. The system utilizes both radio and tethered communications allowing dismounted Soldiers to perform hazardous missions from a safe standoff distance. The MTRS Inc. II system consists of an operator control unit (OCU), a suite of various mission payloads, and a mobility platform. Open architecture and the Ground Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Interoperability Profile (IOP) requirements are employed to reduce obsolescence risks and to maximize efficiency in acquiring future capabilities. MTRS Inc. II will support current and future payload missions for the Engineer's route clearance platoons, Special Operational Forces (SOF) detachments, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Units. FY 2020 RDTE funds in the amount of $4.646 million will enable the MTRS Inc. II program to progress through Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and into Full Rate Production (FRP). Major FY 2020 activities planned include: Delta Production Qualification Testing asset modifications, test support, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) (i.e. Payload development, Universal Robotic Controller (URC), etc.), logistic product development, logistic product demonstration and verification, provisioning, development of final Multimedia (TM), and Virtual Clearance Training Suite (VCTS) integration. FB3: Robotic Architecture (RA) provides the engineering and development resources to manage the overarching architecture for robotic systems that are both modular and interoperable across the Joint Force in order to facilitate future modernization efforts. It will manage the interoperability standards, modular payload interfaces, common software and common architecture for robotics & autonomous platforms, payloads & universal controllers. It will establish a Common Specifications Reference (CSR) to provide a repository codifying the Army Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) standards for open architecture, interoperability interfaces, and common control. RA includes the construction of program specific Interoperability Profiles (IOP) (i.e. Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET), Tactical Wheeled Vehicle-Leader Follower (TWV-LF), Route Clearance Interrogation System Type I (RCIS Type I), Common Robotics System (Vehicle) (CRS(V)), Common Robotics System (Individual) (CRS(I)) Inc. II, Common Robotics System (Heavy) (CRS(H)), Enhanced Robotic Payload (ERP), Light Reconnaissance Robot (LRR), Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), Robotic Combat (RCV), etc.), new standards addressing emerging requirements and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) (i.e. Cyber Security, new autonomous behaviors & artificial intelligence, new payloads, lethality, etc.). FY 2020 RDTE funds in the amount of $2.876 million supports the initial scoping & development of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Ground (RAS-G) Interoperability Profile (IOP) Version 5.0. IOP V5.0 will provide the required modular open interfaces and compliance test tools for new programs including SMET Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs), LRR, TWV-LF, OMFV, RCV and ERP. Additionally, FY 2020 RDTE funds will support the development & hardening of Robotic Operating System, Military (ROS-M) software modules and ROS-M instantiation documents, and management of ROS-M registry & repository infrastructure. FB4: The Common Robotic System - Individual (CRS(I)) is the Army's small sized (<25 lbs.) Soldier back-packable, remotely operated, common robotic system. The system provides dismounted Soldiers with increased standoff capability from hazardous threats. The system consists of a Universal Robotic Controller (URC), a suite of various payloads, and an open architecture common mobility platform allowing for future capability growth. The CRS(I) will allow the operator to quickly re-configure for other various missions by adding or removing modules and/or payloads. The CRS(I) will provide interrogation, detection, confirmation, and neutralization capabilities employed to support a wide spectrum of mobility missions for current and future forces. This capability provides commanders the ability to persistently monitor the Operating Environment (OE) while protecting and sustaining the force. The CRS(I) complements the Joint Integrated Warfighting Force by providing standoff to the Warfighter during major combat, stability, and homeland security operations. FY 2020 RDTE funding in the amount of $7.796 million will complete execution of Production Qualification Test (PQT) activities in accordance with approved Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP). This funding will also fund design updates from test, software updates, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), payload development, the development and verification of Operator Technical Manuals (TM), LOG Demo, development of training packages, execution of a Limited User Test (LUT) to support Conditional Materiel Release in 2QFY20, potential delta follow-on testing on unmet CDD thresholds, begin development of Maintainer Technical Manuals and other LOG products needed for Full Materiel Release (FMR) in 4QFY21. This funding also supports programmatic risk mitigation activities including, but not limited to: Cyber Security Controls (i.e. Risk Management Framework), commonality directives, payloads, sensors, condition based maintenance, electronics, standard interfaces and architectures, autonomous operations, and other emerging technologies, interoperability (IOP), and analysis of collaborative operations with various Unmanned Systems assigned at Battalion and below in addition to any program management support costs associated with these activities. FB6: Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) will help to reduce Soldier loads by transporting mission specific equipment, resupply equipment, and supplies required for extended operations. The SMET will be capable of carrying the equipment currently required to support Infantry and Engineer Platoons in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) for a 72 hour mission without resupply. The SMET will reduce Soldier load, increase squad mobility during combat operations and dismounted maneuvers. SMET will have open architectures, a remote control, support casualty evacuation, power generation/offload and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP). FY 2020 RDTE funding in the amount of $17.804 million supports the development integration of Technical Insertions and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) to increase mission capabilities for Army wide stakeholders to include MEDCOM, MCOE, MSCOE, and CBRNE to meet requirements in the CDD. FY 2020 RDTE funding supports Developmental testing at Aberdeen and other remaining testing required for the Program of Record to include cyber testing and air drop certification. Program support to include salaries, travel and miscellaneous expense for the SMET program will also be funded. FB7: The Robotics Enhanced Program (REP) uses a "buy/lease, try and inform" methodology to evaluate Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS), Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) and Non-Developmental Item (NDI) robotics products that have the potential to enhance Soldier combat effectiveness. Actual operational user feedback and evaluation results obtained will inform emerging capabilities and requirements documents in support of a return on investment to support future Army decision making. The REP program does not have any FY 2020 RDTE funding. FB8: The Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) is a small unmanned aerial vehicle. The SBS provides a near term solution to three Army War-fighting Challenges at the Infantry Squad level: develop situational understanding, conduct air-ground reconnaissance, and conduct joint combined arms maneuver. The system is simple to deploy and use to support the squad leader's decision-making process. The system allows Soldiers to obtain local situational awareness and understanding of their immediate surroundings while remaining in covered or concealed positions. Funding in this project aligns with Army's priorities in support of the National Defense Strategy. In FY20, this project and funding will transition to PE: 06044827A / Soldier Systems - Warrior Dem/Val project 0604827A.FK4. FB9: The MTRS Standardization project provides the platforms to support integration and testing of payloads and technology for non-standard unmanned ground robotics systems used by Army Engineers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) and Special Operational Forces (SOF) units. Current system characteristics include the following: a remote controlled articulated arm with a gripper, operating range up to 800 meters, multiple illuminated cameras, a pan/tilt surveillance camera, two-way radio, and a ruggedized operator control unit. The platforms provided will support development and testing of the following capabilities: High Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS), Multi-Spectral Image Fusion System (MIFS), and Precision Aimed Multi-shot Disruptor (PAMD). The use of robotics allows the first approach, to potentially explosive hazards, to be made by a robot rather than a Soldier. The Common Robotic System, Heavy (CRS(H)) is a modular large-sized system that provides enhanced protection to the EOD Soldier in order to support the Joint Force Commander with the ability to identify, render safe and dispose of explosive ordnance (EO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in support of the Range of Military Operations (ROMO) and Home Land Defense (HLD) operations. CRS(H) will also enable EOD Soldiers to execute Defense Support of the Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations in response to requests from federal, state, local, and tribal authorities for domestic incidents, emergencies, disasters, designated law enforcement support and other activities. CRS(H) will support current and future missions for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units. FY 2020 RDTE funds in the amount of $7.000 million will enable the CRS(H) program to complete the following: System Engineering, Program Management, design and test support, refurbishment of test assets from Fly-off #2, development, integration and testing of system-enhancing payloads (eg: dual arm manipulation, autonomy, mapping, etc.), contract data procurement, travel, and other expenses related to the CRS(H) RDTE program. FG8: The Universal Robotic Controller (URC) provides the capability to individually and/or concurrently control multiple Unmanned Systems (UxS) platforms and control/monitor a mesh network without having to obtain and/or carry separate Operator Control Unit (OCUs) for each system. A controlled UxS may be mobile or stationary, can be smart learning, and self-adaptive. Two URCs will be used to hand-off control of a system to a receiver, reducing hand-off time and the need for the UxSs to have multiple OCUs. The URC will also be capable of "hot swapping" batteries where one of its two batteries can be replaced without the system being shut down, halting mission progress, and use current or new Soldier power sources that will maximize its operational time and minimize the number of replacement batteries needed for most missions. The intent of this requirement is allow the Soldier at battalion and below to use the URC to operate unmanned aerial systems (e.g. Raven, PUMA, Short Range Micro (SRM), etc.) and unmanned ground vehicles (e.g. CRS(I), CRS(V),CRS(H), SMET, MTRS INC II, Light Reconnaissance (LR), Wingman, etc.) and emerging unmanned air/ground systems. The URC is defined in the Common Robotic System (Individual) (CRS(I)) Capability Development Document (CDD) and is included in the CRS(I) acquisition. A standalone requirements document is being developed at a date TBD. FY 2020 RDTE funding in the amount of $1.186 million will be utilized to complete test evaluation and Log product development under the CRS(I) contract, mature the Universal Robotic Controller to meet the requirements in the CDD and emerging programs of record, controller software updates, and integration and test the URC into other Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAS) programs of record via an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP). This funding also supports programmatic risk mitigation activities including, but not limited to: Cyber Security Controls (i.e. Risk Management Framework), commonality directives, payloads, sensors, condition based maintenance, electronics, standard interfaces and architectures, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies, interoperability (IOP), and analysis of collaborative operations with various Unmanned Systems assigned at Battalion and below in addition to any program management support costs associated with these activities.

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Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2020
Source ID: 0605053A_5_2040_PB_2020
Change Summary Explanation: The decrease in funding from FY 2019 to FY 2020 is due to two projects (Robotics Enhanced Program (FB7) and Soldier Borne Sensor (FB8)) being zeroed out starting in FY 2020.
Service Agency Name: Army

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Ground Robotics

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